You are probably wondering why we need a whole week to eat and enjoy doughnuts? The main focus of Doughnut Week is to raise funds for The Children’s Trust and it is really easy to get involved. The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and offer rehabilitation, education and community services through skilled teams who work with children, young people and their families. Anyone can take part, whether you are a business, school, baker, coffee shop or an office. Follow the link to complete the online registration form here and there is no registration free to participate. 100% of the funds go straight to the children at Children’s Trust.
At Love Yourself, we want you to be your happiest and healthiest and some doughnuts contain trans-fats and are packed full of sugar so we have come up with some alternatives so you can stay on track with your health and fitness journey.
Trans Fats Vs. Doughnuts
The main reason doughnuts are unhealthy is because of the trans-fat oils that they are fried in. Artificial trans fats are made when vegetable oil hardens in a process called hydrogenation. Studies have shown that trans fats can have harmful health effects such as raised cholesterol and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and strokes.
WHO has estimated that trans fats contribute to the deaths of more than 500,000 people annually who have cardiovascular disease. In fact, earlier this year WHO announced it is targeting trans fats and making it a priority to eliminate it from the world’s food supply by 2023.
Trans fats are often cheaper than other sources of fat which is the reason so many food manufacturers use trans fats to produce foods. Some examples of foods that you can avoid that can trans fats are the following:
- Shortening
- Frozen pizza
- Fried foods – chips, fried chicken and doughnuts
- Microwaveable popcorn
- Canned frosting
Alternatives – Baked Doughnuts
Instead of frying your doughnuts, bake them instead. This completely cuts out trans-fat oil and is far healthier than fried doughnuts. Baked doughnuts usually have around 125 calories, compared to fried doughnuts which have around 300 calories and 16 grams of fat.
Switch out Sugar
Instead of using sugar, use honey or maple syrup to add sweetness back into your doughnuts. It is so easy to find a healthy take on a classic that you love. From only swapping out a few ingredients, you have a healthy alternative which is equally satisfying.
Portion Control
Portion control is a great way to get in control of your health. So, instead of a whole doughnut, why not try out doughnut holes! Also known as doughnut balls, they were traditionally made from the dough taken out from the ring of the doughnut. Essentially, they are just bite-sized doughnuts. This is a great way to have your cake and eat it too!
Sweet Treats from Love Yourself
Sweet treats do not always have to be unhealthy. Satisfy your sweet tooth and still feel good with Love Yourself meals. Our range of diets have a vast variety of amazing delicious desserts. This week from our balanced diet range we have a lemon and poppy seed muffin, beetroot and banana light mouse and saffron yogurt with goji berries. If this doesn’t tempt you, I don’t know what will! Check out all our fresh range of meal plans here.
By Pooja Depala